CN112815139B

CN112815139B - Fluid assembly

Info

Publication number: CN112815139B
Application number: CN202011293548.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·舒斯特; J·恩格尔哈特; M·弗拉赫; D-T·武; G·杜罗斯卡; S·巴梅斯贝格尔
Original assignee: Festo SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Festo SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2019-11-18
Filing date: 2020-11-18
Publication date: 2023-03-28
Anticipated expiration: 2040-11-18
Also published as: CN112815139A; US11660593B2; DE102019217743A1; US20210148267A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluidic component for use in a fluidic system, having a control assembly comprising a processing means for processing control commands into individual electrical control signals having individually adjustable control signal levels and a signal interface electrically connected to the processing means, having a power assembly comprising a power module for converting the control signals into individual electrical control currents depending on the control signal levels and an output interface electrically connected to the power module, wherein the processing means are configured for providing a first set of control signals in a first time segment individually presettable for each control signal and for providing a second set of control signals in a second time segment following the respective first time segment individually presettable for each control signal.

Description

Fluid assembly

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a fluidic assembly for application in a fluidic system.

Background

Such a fluidic component can exemplarily relate to a metering head for a liquid metering system, in particular for a pipetting system, as it is used in the field of laboratory technology. Such metering heads are connected, for example, to a compressed air source and to an electrical supply and, if appropriate, to a liquid source and thus form a fluid system. In this case, the compressed air provided by the compressed air source can be used to temporarily hold and/or dispense a presettable amount of liquid by means of a fluidic assembly, which can in particular be equipped with a plurality of valves for influencing the compressed air flow. It can be provided, for example, that a plurality of pipettes which can be acted upon individually with negative and/or positive pressure by means of associated valves are arranged on a fluidic component designed as a metering head. The receiving of liquid into one of the pipettes is performed by individually loading the respective pipette with a negative pressure. The separate supply of liquid from the pipettes is carried out by separately applying an overpressure to the respective pipettes.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide a fluidic component having a simplified structure.

This object is achieved for a fluid assembly of the type mentioned at the outset by the features of claim 1. It is provided here that the fluidic component has a control assembly which comprises an input interface for receiving control commands, a processing means electrically connected to the input interface for processing the control commands into individual electrical control signals having individually adjustable control signal levels, and a signal interface electrically connected to the processing means for outputting the control signals. Furthermore, the fluidic component has a power assembly which comprises a control interface electrically connected to the signal interface for receiving control signals, a power module electrically connected to the control interface for converting the control signals into individual electrical control currents depending on the control signal level, a supply interface electrically connected to the power module for supplying electrical energy into the power module, and an output interface electrically connected to the power module, which is configured for supplying the control currents for individual electrical supply to a plurality of electrical consumers which can be referred to as solenoid valves by way of example. Furthermore, it is provided that the processing means are designed for providing a first group of control signals from a first level interval in a first time segment, which can be individually preset for each control signal, and for providing a second group of control signals from a second level interval in a second time segment, which can be individually preset for each control signal and follows the respective first time segment, wherein a first interval limit of the first level interval and a second interval limit of the second level interval are selected in such a way that the control current in the first time segment is greater than the control current in the second time segment.

The control assembly is thus used to convert control commands, which are provided at the input interface by the control unit of the higher stage, for example by a cable connection or by a wireless connection, into individual electrical control signals having time-dependent, individually adjustable control signal levels. The conversion of the control commands takes place in a processing means which can be embodied, for example, as a microcontroller or as a microprocessor and in which, for example, a computer program for processing the arriving control commands is executed (abgearbeitet). The control commands arriving in each case are converted in a manner which can be preset by a computer program into individual electrical control signals for the individual electrical consumers, the control signals for the individual consumers being distinguishable from one another by their respective control signal levels, in particular by different voltages, but not necessarily. For each individual control signal, it is provided that the control signal level of the control signal changes after the end of the individually presettable first time segment and has a different control signal level during the individually presettable second time segment. The control signal is output at a signal interface of the control assembly and provided to a control interface of the power assembly.

It is preferably provided that the control signal is provided by the processing means in the form of an electrical small-voltage signal, in particular in a voltage range between 0 volts and 10 volts, preferably between 0 volts and 5 volts. The control signal preferably relates to an un-amplified (invert 228rkte) output signal provided directly by a microcontroller or microprocessor of the processing means.

The control signal is provided to a power assembly in which a conversion of the control signal into a control current is made, which is matched with respect to an electrical consumer, which can be coupled at an output interface of the power assembly. In order to be able to perform the conversion, the power assembly comprises, in addition to the control interface, a supply interface at which electrical energy can be supplied, which is provided to the power module together with the control signal.

The power module can in particular be an assembly of a plurality of electrical output stages, wherein each of the electrical output stages is supplied with one of the individual electrical control signals and can be supplied with electrical energy provided at a supply interface, in order to be able to thus provide the required control current for the associated electrical consumers, in particular solenoid valves.

Purely exemplarily, the electrical load relates to a solenoid valve, in particular a 2/2-way valve, which can be switched from a first, preferably closed, functional position into a second, preferably open, functional position by the provision of a control current.

For this purpose, the power module is connected to an output interface, which preferably comprises a number of electrical contacts corresponding to the number of electrical consumers, in particular solenoid valves, connected thereto. Thereby, a separate electrical control current can be provided for each of the electrical consumers coupled at the output interface.

In order to ensure a simple design for the fluid assembly, it is provided that the control signal is only adapted to the requirements of the connected consumers, in particular the solenoid valves, in the processing means.

In contrast, a precisely presettable, in particular proportional conversion of the control signal arriving into the control current takes place in the power pack, so that here local intelligence (Intelligenz) in the form of a microcontroller or microprocessor is not necessary and simple and robust electrical or electronic circuits can be used in order to achieve the desired conversion of the control signal into the control current.

In order to achieve an advantageous actuation of the electrical load connected to the output interface of the power assembly, the processing means are designed to output a first set of control signals. In this case, it can be provided that each of the control signals has a separate control signal level, which is arranged within a first level interval, and that the provision of the first group of control signals can take place for each of the control signals in a first time interval, which can be set separately. Furthermore, the processing means are designed for outputting a second group of control signals, wherein each of the control signals can have a control signal level which is arranged in a second level interval and wherein each of the control signals is emitted within a second time interval which can be individually preset. In this case, it is always provided that the individual control signals for the consumers connected to the supply connection, in particular the solenoid valves (which are subordinate to the second group of control signals), are directly connected in time to the individual control signals from the first group of control signals for the same electrical consumers. Preferably, for each of the individual control signals, the total switching time resulting from the addition of the first individual time section and the second individual time section is identical. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the total switching time can be different for each of the individual control signals.

Furthermore, a first interval limit of the first level interval and a second interval limit of the second level interval are selected in such a way that the control current in the first time interval is greater than the control current in the second time interval. The target is thereby set to a higher control current, with which, for example, a movement of the valve element of the solenoid valve can be initiated, and to the subsequent temporal sequence of a holding phase for the valve element of the solenoid valve, in which a lower control current is required. As long as the fluid assembly is equipped with a solenoid valve as an electrical load, the so-called hold-down current caused thereby serves in particular to reduce the energy consumption and to reduce the heat release in the fluid assembly.

Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

Suitably, the first interval limit of the first level interval and the second interval limit of the second level interval are selected such that the control current caused by the first set of control signals is at least two hundred percent, preferably at least three hundred percent, preferably at least four hundred percent, in particular at least five hundred percent greater than the control current caused by the second set of control signals. It is preferably provided that the lower boundary of the first level interval represents a signal level which is at least two hundred percent, that is to say at least twice as large, greater than the upper boundary of the second level interval. This makes it possible for the control currents (with corresponding proportional behavior of the final stage in the power module) induced in the power assembly by the control signals to differ by at least two hundred percent. In this way, an advantageous reduction of the energy supply to the electrical consumers, in particular solenoid valves, coupled at the supply interface of the power pack is achieved during the respective second time segment.

Advantageously, the first level interval comprises exactly one level value for the control signal and/or the second level interval comprises exactly one level value for the control signal. This simplifies the manipulation of the level values in the processing means of the control assembly.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that a plurality of, in particular, identically designed solenoid valves are coupled to the output interface and the power pack is designed to supply a separate electrical control current for each of the solenoid valves. The solenoid valve can be provided, for example, for influencing a compressed air flow or a liquid flow in order to thereby, for example, enable metering of liquids for laboratory purposes. Preferably, the power pack is designed to be able to supply, for each of the solenoid valves, a temporally variable control current for each of the solenoid valves, which control current can be adapted to the value. This allows individual actuation of the solenoid valves corresponding to the technical configuration of the respective solenoid valve. It is particularly preferably provided that the solenoid valves coupled at the output interface are of the same type, wherein it can also be advantageous here to provide the electrical control current individually, in order to be able to carry out adaptation to different wear states and/or production tolerances of the solenoid valves on the one hand and to be able to carry out individual switching of the solenoid valves between the open state and the closed state on the other hand.

This measure enables, for example, that despite the different states of wear of the solenoid valves, the fluid flows provided by the respective solenoid valves are identical. Alternatively, it can be provided that each of the solenoid valves or at least several of the solenoid valves provide a different fluid flow that can be preset precisely. In this case, it plays an important role for the fluid flow provided by the respective solenoid valve not only to provide the total duration of the control current (which is the sum of the first time segment and the second time segment) but also to provide the control current as a control current during the first time segment and as a holding current during the second time segment.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that in particular only the magnet coil is arranged in the current path of the solenoid valve (which extends between the first and second coupling contact). The solenoid valve thus has no dedicated electronics or no intelligence at all, but rather is designed as simply as possible from an electrical point of view and preferably comprises only a magnetic coil. All adjustments necessary for the defined operation of the solenoid valve, which result in a corresponding control current for the solenoid valve, are preset by the processing means of the control assembly.

It is preferably provided that the control assembly has a parameter interface electrically connected to the processing means for receiving the parameterized command and that the processing means are configured for adapting the individual electrical control signals depending on the parameterized command. Accordingly, the adaptation of the electrical control signals for actuating the electrical consumers can be carried out using suitable parameter devices, which can be brought into communication with the parameter interface, in particular without cables or cable connections, and which can be coupled to the output interface of the power pack. For example, the parameter device can relate to a computer that is customary in commerce, in particular in the form of a laptop or tablet computer, which is connected to the parameter interface, for example by a cable connection, and on which software can be run, which can also be referred to as a Graphical User Interface (GUI). With the aid of the parameterization instrument, the user can carry out the desired parameterization for the processing means in an intuitive manner, in particular by specifying the type of electrical load, in particular a solenoid valve, which is respectively coupled at the output interface. The parameterization can, for example, comprise a determination of the value of the first control signal level and the duration of the first time segment and a determination of the value of the second control signal level and the duration of the second time segment. It is provided, for example, that a software (GUI) running on the parameter device generates suitable information from the user input, from which a desired adaptation of the individual electrical control signals can be carried out in the processing means.

The processing means are expediently designed in such a way that, for each of the individual electrical control signals, the first time segment and the second segment can be determined individually from the parameterized command. In this way, the individual properties of the electrical consumers, in particular the solenoid valves, coupled at the output interface of the power pack can be taken into account. For a new solenoid valve which does not have any wear phenomena, for example, the provision of the first control signal level can be set in a short first time segment and a second time segment, in which the second control signal level is provided, can be selected longer. In contrast, the first control signal can be provided purely exemplarily during the extended first time period for a solenoid valve which is already in use for a relatively long time, in order to take account of wear of the solenoid valve and the resulting extended response time. Accordingly, the second time segment is also adapted. It is provided, for example, that the sum of the respective first time segments and the respective second time segments is the same for all electrical consumers. Thus, an electrical load, which is designed, for example, as a solenoid valve, can be used accordingly to provide (meter) the same flow rate. Alternatively, it can be provided that each of the coupled solenoid valves is used to provide a different fluid flow, in order to be able to provide different flow rates and/or fluid types (liquid, compressed air) by means of different solenoid valves, for example. In this case, the sum of the respective first time periods and the respective second time periods can be different for the electrical consumers/solenoid valves.

Advantageously, the processing means are designed in such a way that, depending on the parameterized command, for each of the individual electrical control signals, a first control signal level can be selected from the first level intervals and/or a second control signal level can be selected from the second level intervals. The possibility of parameterizing the individual control signals in the processing means is advantageous in particular when different consumers are connected to the output interface of the power pack, which consumers must be supplied with differently high control currents for a defined use, which occurs in the fluidic component by presetting the respective control signal level. The different consumers can either be technically different consumers in the sense of solenoid valves, electric motors or the like, or consumers which are identical in themselves, for example, have different wear states and in which individual first and/or second control signal levels can be used to at least partially compensate for possible differences in the movement resistance to the valve element or the like. In the case of a new solenoid valve, it can be provided, for example, that the control signal and the control current resulting therefrom are selected accordingly, which is below the maximum current carrying capacity of the solenoid valve, since the solenoid valve is nevertheless switched quickly enough. In contrast, it can be provided that in a solenoid valve with continuous (fortgeschritenetem) wear, a control signal and a control signal resulting therefrom are provided which lies in the range of the maximum current carrying capacity of the solenoid valve.

Preferably, the input interface is designed for receiving digitally encoded control commands as bus telegrams and/or for receiving analog control commands, in particular encoded by current or voltage levels. Accordingly, the fluidic component can be coupled in a suitable embodiment of the input interface directly to a bus system, in particular a proprietary (prepriet 228res) bus system or a standard bus system, in order to receive a bus telegram in which digitally encoded control commands are contained. Additionally or alternatively, the input interface can be configured for receiving simulated control commands, which are provided, for example, by a machine control of a fluid system in which the fluid assembly is integrated. The simulated control commands can exemplarily relate to current signals or voltage signals. It can be provided, for example, that the analog control command is provided only as a short pulse, i.e. only comprises a short deviation from the otherwise continuously present current or voltage level, and thus triggers the provision of the set electrical control signal in the processing means. In this case, the time periods during which the control currents are output can be stored in the processing means, in particular in the form of individual parameterisations for the individual electrical consumers. Alternatively, it can be provided that the analog control command is provided as a relatively long-lasting change in the current level or voltage level, wherein in this case the duration during which the changed current level or voltage level is provided also refers to the duration for the respective actuation of the electrical consumers which are coupled at the output interface of the power assembly. In this case, in the processing means, in each case an individual parameterization for the first and second time segment can be stored for each electrical consumer.

Preferably, the control unit and the power unit are arranged on a common printed circuit, wherein the printed circuit is arranged in a housing, to which a fastening is fastened, at which a plurality of solenoid valves, which are electrically connected to the output interface, are arranged, in particular in a closed arrangement (aneihung) along an arrangement axis. A compact design of the fluid system is thereby achieved, which is used, for example, as a metering head of a metering system.

Drawings

The invention is subsequently explained in more detail on the basis of the attached drawings. In the drawings:

figure 1 shows a strictly schematic representation of the fluidic components of a metering head for a pipetting system,

figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of the first control current profile,

figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of the course of the second control current,

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a third control current profile, an

Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a fourth control current profile.

Detailed Description

The fluid assembly 1, which is illustrated purely schematically in fig. 1, purely exemplarily comprises a control module 2 and a plurality of solenoid valves 3 to 7, which are electrically connected to the control module 2. The fluidic component 1 can be used for example in a metering head of a pipetting system which is not shown in more detail. The fluid assembly 1 is designed to convert electrical control commands of a machine control unit of a higher stage, not shown in greater detail, into a fluid flow, with which a desired metering of a fluid, in particular a liquid, can be carried out.

The task of the control module 2 is to convert the arriving control commands into individual control currents for the individual coupled consumers, in particular the solenoid valves 3 to 7.

For this purpose, the control module 2 comprises a control assembly 8 and a power assembly 9, which are implemented separately according to the illustration of fig. 1, but which can also be arranged in practice on a common printed circuit, which is not shown in greater detail.

The control assembly 8 comprises an input interface 10, a processing means 11 electrically connected to the input interface 10, and a signal interface 12 electrically connected to the processing means 11.

The input interface 10 is designed to receive control commands, which can be provided, for example, by a machine control unit of a higher level, which is not shown. The control commands can be, for example, digitally coded control commands which are transmitted into the bus telegram 15. Additionally or alternatively, the input interface 10 can also be configured for receiving analog control commands, for example in the form of voltage signals or in the form of current signals. Purely exemplarily, the input interface 10 can receive not only pulse-shaped analog control commands 16 but also analog control commands 17 with temporally continuous level changes and forward them to the processing means 11 via the signal line 18.

The processing means 11 can be configured, for example, as a microcontroller or microprocessor and serve to process arriving control commands into control signals. The control signal is provided at the signal interface 12, which control signal can preferably relate to an analog voltage signal which can accept signal levels in a value interval between 0 volts and 10 volts. Purely exemplarily, the processing means 11 is configured to provide five control signals, which are provided at the signal interface 12 in such a way that each of the five individual control signals can be transmitted to the power pack via the individual control signal line 20.

For the electrical coupling to the processing means 11, the power pack 9 comprises a control interface 21, to which five purely exemplary control signal lines 20 are coupled. A plurality of electrical output stages 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 are provided in the power pack 9, which can be, for example, power transistors that can be individually controlled by means of individual control signals transmitted via the control signal line 20. The final stages 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 are electrically connected to the supply connection 22 in addition to the respective individual control signal lines 20. The supply interface 22 serves for supplying electrical energy to the power pack 9, wherein the

final stages

25, 26, 27, 28, 29 are designed in such a way that they can initiate the supply of a control current at the output interface 23 as a function of the individual electrical control signals supplied via the respective control signal lines 20. Preferably, a proportional relationship between the respective individual control signal level and the individual control current resulting therefrom is provided.

At the output interface 23, five purely exemplary solenoid valves 3 to 7 of identical design are connected, wherein each of the solenoid valves 3 to 7 has a connection plug 32 which is connected to the output interface 23 via a separate connection line 31. This enables separate actuation of each of the solenoid valves 3 to 7 independently of the respective other solenoid valve 3 to 7.

It is provided by way of example that each of the solenoid valves 3 to 7 contains only a magnet coil, not shown in greater detail, which is electrically coupled to a first coupling contact, not shown, and to a second coupling contact, also not shown, which is connected to the coupling line 31. Preferably, the solenoid valves 3 to 7 do not comprise additional electrical or electronic components and thus react in a precisely predictable manner to the control current, which is provided at the output interface 23 of the power pack 9.

Due to production-related tolerances of the solenoid valves 3 to 7 and/or wear phenomena in the solenoid valves 3 to 7, different patterns of behavior of the solenoid valves 3 to 7 can occur. By way of example, the solenoid valves 3 to 7 are provided for selectively closing or opening fluid channels which extend between the input connection 34 and the output connection 35 through the respective solenoid valve 3 to 7 in a manner which is not illustrated in greater detail. Thus, deviations in the behavior of the individual solenoid valves 3 to 7 lead to differences in the flow rates provided by the respective solenoid valves 3 to 7. The deviations can be compensated for by a parameterization of the individual first control signal, in particular by an individual time duration of the first time segment, and by a parameterization of the individual second control signal, in particular by an individual time duration of the second time segment.

It is provided here that it is necessary for the solenoid valves 3 to 7 to continuously supply the coil current after a switchover is carried out from the first functional state (for example closed state) to the second functional state (for example open state). In this case, it is advantageous that the coil current can be reduced after reaching the second functional state, since a low energy requirement of the solenoid valves 3 to 7 is necessary for maintaining the second functional state compared to for switching between the first and second functional states and undesired heating of the respective solenoid valves 3 to 7 is to be avoided.

In the exemplary embodiment, four

different switching characteristics

40, 41, 42, 43, also referred to as control current paths, are purely exemplary associated with the solenoid valves 3 to 7 by way of corresponding parameterization of the processing means 11. The switching features 40, 41, 42, 43, which are preferably freely parametrizable for each solenoid valve 3 to 7, are symbolically represented by respective bar graphs 45 to 49, which are described in more detail later in conjunction with fig. 2 to 5.

Illustratively, the bar graph 45 has a first bar section 50 and a second bar section 51. The first bar 50 symbolically represents a first time segment, which can be set by parameterization, in which the processing means 11 provide the first control signal. The second bar segment 51 symbolically represents a second time segment that can be set by parameterization, in which the processing means 11 provide a second control signal.

Fig. 2 to 5 show diagrams with switching

characteristics

40, 41, 42 and 43, in which the current I [ ampere ] is shown in each case over time t [ sec ]. The

respective switching characteristics

40, 41, 42 and 43 are influenced by a parameterization of the processing means 11, which parameterization is represented by the previously described bar graphs 45 to 49.

In the case of the switching feature 40 according to fig. 2, it is provided that, starting from a missing coil current (which can sometimes also be interpreted as zero) in the time period between the time points t0 and t1, a coil current I2 is supplied from the time point t1 up to the time point t2, which coil current in the respectively associated solenoid valve leads to a movement of the valve element, not shown, between the first and second function position. Since the magnet coils of the solenoid valves 3 to 7, which are likewise not shown in greater detail, have a lower energy requirement than the switching movement in order to maintain the second functional position for the valve element, which is not shown, a drop in the coil current to I1 occurs from time t 2. The coil current I1 is maintained until the respective solenoid valves 3 to 7 are switched off at the time point t 4.

Correspondingly, a first time period is provided for activating the solenoid valves 3 to 7 with the switching characteristic 40 according to fig. 2, which lasts from t1 to t2 and during which an activation current I2 is provided. Furthermore, a second time segment is provided, which extends between t2 and t4 and is directly coupled to the first time segment, and in which the control current is held at the level of I1. The switching off of the solenoid valves 3 to 7 then takes place as a result of the end of the total switching time which is set to the sum of the first time interval and the second time interval and which can be set by parameterizing the two time intervals.

In contrast, in the illustration of the switching characteristic 41 according to fig. 3, it is provided that the first control current I2 is maintained between the time t1 and the time t3, while the second control current is maintained from the time t3 to the time t5. The switching characteristic according to fig. 2 is thus distinguished from the switching characteristic according to fig. 1 not only by the length of the total switching time, but also by the duration during which the higher control current I2 is provided within the total switching time.

In the case of the illustrated switching characteristic 42 according to fig. 4, the same total switching time is provided for supplying the control current as in the case of the switching characteristic 41 according to fig. 3, however, the time period for supplying the higher control current I2 is extended relative to the switching characteristic 41.

In the illustration of the switching characteristic 43 according to fig. 5, it is provided that the first control current I2 is not supplied at the time t2 and is maintained until the time t4, while the second control current is maintained from the time t4 until the time t5. The switching characteristic according to fig. 4 is thus distinguished from the switching characteristics according to fig. 2 and 3 by the length of the total switching time and by the time point at which the higher control current I2 is provided within the total switching time. Such a switching characteristic can, for example, be set to limit the total current consumption for the power assembly 9 (Gesamtstromaufnahme). Furthermore, it is possible to adapt the time at which the flow rate to be respectively metered is output by the respective solenoid valve 3 to 7 without switching the solenoid valves 3 to 7 equally quickly.

The switching characteristics according to fig. 2 to 5 can be set accordingly by parameterization of the processing means 11, wherein the parameterization can be carried out by means of the parameterization interface 36. Preferably, it is provided that, during the parameterization, the determination of the first and second time segments and thus of the total switching time can be carried out individually for each of the solenoid valves 3 to 7. In addition, the determination of the switching time point can also be carried out after the arrival of the externally supplied switching signal for each of the individual electrical control signals, in order, for example, to be able to realize the switching delay described in connection with fig. 5 (switching on at time point t2 in the case of switching feature 43 instead of switching on at time point t1 as in the case of the other switching features 30 to 42). The parameterization of the first time segment and the second time segment can be carried out, for example, in steps (Schritten) which are smaller than the respective total switching time by a factor of 50 to 1000.

It can be provided, for example, that a parameterization device, not shown in greater detail, such as a personal computer, on which the parameterization software is implemented, is coupled to parameterization interface 36.

By means of the parameterization software, a preliminary adjustment of the parameters, which determines the duration of the first and second time segments and, if necessary, also the value of the respective signal level in the time segments, can be carried out, for example, by specifying the model (sometimes also referred to as type name) of the respectively coupled solenoid valves 3 to 7, using a corresponding database.

Furthermore, a user input can be made to influence the respective parameters, that is to say in particular the duration of the first and second time segments and, if appropriate, the values of the respective signal levels in the time segments, and thus to adjust the desired valve function as required. In addition, provision can also be made for a storage of the number of switching gaps for the respective solenoid valve 3 to 7 to be carried out in the processing means 11 and, if necessary, for an automatic adaptation of the first and second time intervals to be carried out depending on the estimated wear behavior of the respective solenoid valve 3 to 7.

Claims

1. Fluidic component (1) for application in a fluidic system, having a control assembly (8) comprising an input interface (10) for receiving control commands, a processing means (11) electrically connected to the input interface (10) for processing the control commands into individual electrical control signals having individually adjustable control signal levels and a signal interface (12) electrically connected to the processing means (11) for outputting the control signals, having a power assembly (9) comprising a control interface (21) electrically connected to the signal interface (12) for receiving the control signals, a power module electrically connected to the control interface (21) for converting the control signals into individual electrical control currents depending on the control signal levels, a supply interface (22) electrically connected to the power module for supplying electrical energy into the power module and an output interface (23) electrically connected to the power module, the output interface being configured for supplying the control currents for individually supplying electrical energy to a plurality of electrical consumers (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and being configured for supplying the individual electrical processing signals for each individual processing signal from the first set of control signals at a first time interval and for supplying the control signals from a second set of control signal levels, and for supplying the individual processing means (11) for supplying the second set of control signals at a second time interval, which is settable from a first control signal level, and for supplying the second set of the second control signal level, which is settable for supplying the second control signal level, which is settable for each control signal level, which is set at a second time interval, wherein a first interval limit of the first level interval and a second interval limit of the second level interval are selected such that the control current in the first time interval is greater than the control current in the second time interval.

2. A fluidic assembly according to claim 1, wherein a first interval limit of the first level interval and a second interval limit of the second level interval are selected such that the control current caused by the first set of control signals is at least two hundred percent of the control current caused by the second set of control signals.

3. A fluidic assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first level interval comprises exactly one level value for said control signal and/or said second level interval comprises exactly one level value for said control signal.

4. A fluidic assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of solenoid valves (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) are coupled at the output interface (23) and the power pack (9) is configured for providing a separate electrical control current for each of the solenoid valves (3, 4, 5, 6, 7).

5. A fluid assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that a magnetic coil is arranged in a current path of the solenoid valve (3, 4, 5, 6, 7), which current path extends between the first and the second coupling contact.

6. The fluidic assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control assembly (8) has a parameter interface (36) electrically connected with the processing means (11) for receiving a parameterized command and in that the processing means (11) is configured for matching the individual electrical control signals depending on the parameterized command.

7. A fluidic assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the processing means (11) are configured such that, for each of the individual electrical control signals, the first time segment and the second time segment are determinable individually from the parameterized command.

8. A fluidic assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the processing means (11) is configured such that, depending on the parameterized command, for each of the individual electrical control signals a first control signal level is selectable from the first level intervals and/or a second control signal level is selectable from the second level intervals.

9. The fluidic assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the input interface (10) is configured for receiving digitally encoded control commands as bus telegrams (15) and/or for receiving analog control commands (16, 17).

10. Fluidic component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control assembly (8) and the power assembly (9) are arranged on a common printed circuit, wherein the printed circuit is arranged in a housing at which a fixing is fixed at which a plurality of solenoid valves (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) are arranged, which are electrically connected with the output interface.

11. The fluidic assembly of claim 2, wherein the control current caused by the first set of control signals is at least three hundred percent of the control current caused by the second set of control signals.

12. The fluidic assembly of claim 11, wherein the control current caused by the first set of control signals is at least four hundred percent of the control current caused by the second set of control signals.

13. The fluidic assembly of claim 12, wherein the control current caused by the first set of control signals is at least five hundred percent of the control current caused by the second set of control signals.

14. A fluid assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the solenoid valves (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) are identically constructed.

15. A fluid assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that only the magnetic coil is arranged in the current path of the solenoid valve (3, 4, 5, 6, 7).

16. A fluidic assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the analog control commands (16, 17) are encoded by current levels or voltage levels.

17. A fluidic assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that said solenoid valves (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) are arranged at said fixed portion in a closed array along an array axis.